Whenever a team loses its last game, they want to get right back on the field.

Unfortunately for Hamilton, their last game was the biggest game of the season, the 101st Grey Cup in Regina in which the Tiger-Cats lost 45-23 to the hometown Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Cats general manager and head coach Kent Austin used the long offseason to make a number of roster changes, highlighted by the free agent signing of quarterback Zach Collaros and the subsequent release of future Hall of Fame QB Henry Burris, who is now in Ottawa.

A large part of Hamilton’s core players are returning for another run at the Grey Cup, namely receivers Andy Fantuz and Bakari Grant, running back C.J. Gable, linebacker Simoni Lawrence, defensive backs Courtney Stephen and Delvin Breaux and the entire defensive line, including Canadian Defensive Player of the Year nominee Brian Bulcke.

As is always the case, most fans will be paying close attention to the training camp competition at the quarterback position, with Collaros’ main competitor being Dan LeFevour.

2013 third stringer Jeremiah Masoli and former Dallas Cowboys QB Stephen McGee are also in the mix.

Collaros, who has made less than 10 starts over his three year CFL career, has seen the most game action at this level.

With starter Ricky Ray out with an injury, Collaros guided the Toronto Argonauts to victory in an unprecedented four consecutive games on the road.

Now #4 in Black & Gold will be tasked with leading the Tiger-Cats back to the big game in B.C. this November.

Given there is labour peace between the CFL and the union, Hamilton will open the preseason on June 14 when they host the Montreal Alouettes at McMaster.

The Cats close out the exhibition schedule with a date in Toronto on June 19 at Varsity Stadium.

Hamilton’s regular season opener is scheduled for June 29 in Saskatchewan, seven months after their last meeting in the CFL final.

Single game tickets for Ticats home games during the inaugural season at Tim Hortons Field are now on sale.

Fans can purchase tickets by calling 905-547-CATS (2287) or by CLICKING HERE.